ATK Propulsion Technologies

Alliant Techsystems (NYSE:propulsion and composite technologies supported yesterday's successful launch of a Boeing Delta II Rocket carrying a classified payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office.

Nine GEM-40 solid propulsion strap-on boosters manufactured by ATK Launch Systems provided augmented thrust for the launch. Six of the boosters ignited at lift-off with the first-stage main engine and provided over 850,000-lbf maximum thrust for the launch vehicle. Just over one minute later, the remaining three boosters ignited to provide an additional 450,000-lbf maximum thrust. The spent motors were jettisoned from the Rocket as it continued its ascent.

Following burnout and separation of the GEM-40 boosters and the rocket's liquid second stage, an ATK-produced STARô 48B third-stage Rocket motor completed payload separation approximately 58 minutes into flight.